Compared to single-nozzle 3D printers, dual extruder 3D printers use two nozzles to print with different colors and materials, reducing purge waste significantly. This guide explains the types of dual extruder FDM 3D printers and recommends the best model for 2025.
What Is a Dual Extruder 3D Printer?
A dual-head 3D printer, as the name suggests, is a printer equipped with two printheads. This configuration allows for faster and more efficient multi-filament and multi-color printing during color switching. Sounds great, right? Speaking of dual extrusion 3D printing systems, there are two main types: IDEX and fixed dual extrusion. In IDEX printers, the two printheads operate independently; while in fixed dual-head printers, the two printheads share a single carriage. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Types of Dual Extruder 3D Printers: Which is Right for You?
Let’s take a closer look at the types of dual extruder 3D printers.
Independent Dual Extrusion Printers (IDEX)
IDEX printers have two entirely separate print heads that work independently. They have their own carriages along the x-axis. While printing, they can work simultaneously. If you only need one, the other nozzle will park out of the way of printing. There are two modes that come into use with IDEX 3D printers:
1. Twin Mode: Print two symmetrical objects at once.
2. Duplicate Mode: Print two identical objects simultaneously.
Pros and Cons:
● Pros: Independent heads allow simultaneous printing on two objects; twin and duplicate modes increase production.
● Cons: More complex calibration and maintenance; slightly higher cost.
Fixed Dual Extrusion Printers
Fixed dual extrusion printers have two nozzles mounted on one carriage. Contrary to IDEX, where both nozzles work separately, the nozzles of fixed dual extrusion printers are mounted at a fixed distance apart. It provides the advantages of dual extrusion 3D printing without a separate print head.
● Pros: Simpler design, easier calibration, full build volume usable for both nozzles.
● Cons: No independent movement; twin/duplicate modes unavailable.
Why Should You Get a Dual Extruder 3D Printer?
Soluble Support Printing
One of the remarkable features of dual extruder 3D printers is printing soluble support structures. If you use a single-nozzle printer, you have no choice but to print support structures with the same material. While removing it, it can damage the final product. With a dual extruder printer, you can print the main model with PLA and the support structure with PVA. Then, you can simply wash it off.
Multi-Material Printing
Using a dual extruder printer, you can load both nozzles with different printing materials. This feature opens up numerous design and functional possibilities. For example, you can use carbon-fiber filament for structural components.
Multi-Color Printing
Dual extruder printers give you the added benefit of printing with multiple colors. You just load both nozzles with different colors and do not need to swap the filament mid-printing.
Printing Speed
Twin and duplicate modes of IDEX 3D printers allow you to double the production volume. Hence, saving time, fixed dual extrusion focuses on workflow efficiency.
How to Choose the Best Dual Extruder 3D Printer?
The BEST dual extruder 3D printer heavily relies on your specific needs. Here are some factors that can help you in this decision:
● Build Volume: Choose based on typical print size. Hobbyists may be fine with ~250mm beds; large-format projects require 300mm or more.
● Print Speed: Faster printers save time, but higher speed may affect quality.
● Calibration: Precise nozzle alignment is crucial; IDEX requires independent calibration for each head, while fixed dual extrusion simplifies this.
● Price: Budget, mid-range, and premium options exist; select based on features needed.
Best Dual Extruder 3D Printers in 2025
Best Dual Extruder 3D Printer Overall: Bambu Lab H2D
Key Specifications:
● Build Volume: 350 × 320 × 325 mm³
● Printing Speed: Up to 1000 mm/s, 20,000 mm/s² acceleration
● Extruder Type: Fixed dual extruders
● Auto-Calibration: Automatic bed leveling, nozzle offset, and flow rate calibration
● Advantages: Simplifies dual extrusion workflow, supports efficient multi-material and multi-color printing with high reliability.
Bambu Lab H2D is completely automated with an integrated AMS system. This dual extruder 3D printer enables multi-material and purge-saving multi-color printing, offering flexibility for complex projects.
Ultimate Single-Nozzle Large Format 3D Printer: Bambu Lab H2S
Key Specifications:
- Build Volume: 340 × 320 × 340 mm³
- Printing Speed: Up to 1000 mm/s, 20,000 mm/s² acceleration
- Extruder Type: Single high-flow extruder
- Nozzle Compatibility: 0.2mm to 0.8mm
Despite being a single-nozzle printer, the H2S shares many advantages with dual extruder printers. It has high-speed CoreXY motion, automatic calibration, and AMS compatibility. With its larger print volume, you can print larger parts plus multi-color printing.
Conclusion
This article walks you through a detailed introduction on dual extruder 3d printers, key factors to consider when purchase, and recommend the best dual extruder 3D printer in 2025. Hopefully, you will find this article helpful.
FAQs About Dual Extruder 3D Printers
Are dual extruder printers faster?
Speed depends on printer type. IDEX printers with twin or duplicate modes can print multiple objects simultaneously, increasing production efficiency. Fixed dual extrusion printers optimize workflow but do not support simultaneous independent prints.
What are the benefits of dual extruder 3D printers?
They support multi-material and purge-saving multi-color printing, enable soluble supports, and reduce post-processing effort.
Are dual extruder prints worth it?
If you only print single-material or single-color objects, a single-nozzle printer suffices. For multi-material, multi-color, or complex projects, dual extruder printers provide significant advantages.
